DURHAM, N.H. – Freshman Laura Stern (Shirley, Mass.) was one of six athletes to record a first-place finish to lead the University of New Hampshire women’s outdoor track and field team at the Wildcat Invitational I non-scoring quad meet Saturday afternoon at the Reggie F. Atkins Track and Field Facility.

Stern placed first in the javelin with an ECAC Championship- and U.S. Junior Nationals-qualifying throw of 41.95 meters, nearly 25 feet further than the runner-up.

Sophomore Megan Donohue (Stratham, N.H.) finished first in the long jump with a leap of 5.49 meters, just ahead of classmate Megan McGrath (Merrimack, N.H.) at 5.28 meters.

Junior Tayla Ryan (Norwood, Mass.) was victorious in the 100-meter hurdles in a New England Championship-qualifying time of 15.494 seconds, barely beating out the runner-up, who finished at 15.497 seconds. Sophomore Kate Early (Corning, N.Y.) was third at 15.56 seconds.

Senior Erica Desroches (Stratham, N.H.) submitted a third-place finish in the shot put with a throw of 11.44 meters. Desroches also finished fifth in the discus with a toss of 34.23 meters. Senior Sarah Crane (Londonderry, N.H.) and junior Ashlee Lathrop (Sherburne, N.Y.) placed sixth and seventh, respectively, with throws of 33.47 and 31.79 meters.

Senior Amy Malsbenden (Bow, N.H.) placed third in the hammer throw with a toss of 41.94 meters.

In the 5000 meters, sophomore Erica Jesseman (Scarborough, Maine) and junior Courtney Hamer (Andover, Mass.) finished fifth and sixth, respectively, in times of 18:24.41 and 18:32.85.

The Wildcats’ “A” and “B” teams finished third and fourth, respectively, in both the 4x100- and 4x400-meter relays. The squads finished the 4x100 in 49.99 and 52.24 seconds, while they completed the 4x400 in 4:13.09 and 4:20.04.

The Wildcats return to action Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m. when they host the Wildcat Invitational II at the Reggie F. Atkins Track.